Match Analysis and plans for the future
The qualifying matches were being played at the Wolverhampton Squash Club - a place I have visited many times over the years. This meant that I could stay with a friend in the comfort of a home rather than a hotel and focus on the matches without worries. Thanks for having us once again Jacqui. I was seeded 6th in the qualifying draw and there were anxious moments before the draw was made an hour before the matches started.
In the first match I was up against the experienced and skillful Londoner Ben Ford. It was expected to be a tough one and so it was. However, I managed to control the pace and the game to take the match in 3 games.
In the second round I was up against the fit and fast New South Welshman Matthew Karwalski. Matt has been playing well and had a good win in the first round. My plan was to keep him behind me to avoid him using his speed at the front. It was a bad start to the first game and I was behind six points before catching up but it was too late. I managed to stick to the game plan in the next three to take the match in four games.
The win also got me through to Manchester for the main draw where I will be playing Stewart Boswell on Wednesday 15 September 5 pm. I have played Stweart many times before and he has always got the better of me. He is one of the best players in the world but I will be trying my hardest to turn the tables this time.
Sunday 19 September 2010
Back to the base after another event. The match against Stewart is still fresh in my mind and I am watching the video to learn from it. Travelling and playing events for two months in a row has definitely taken its toll. I knew I wasn't as well prepared as I could have been for Manchester but still had confidence in the way how I have been playing. The match had its good patches and very bad ones as well. However, something to learn and grow from for sure.
The crucial things for me in the match to note were that my error rate was high and fitness was low. I plan to work on Anthony's advice given to me nearly a year ago 'run run run'. As for the errors, I will need to keep working on solos and routines. I also need to remember to get on the glass atleast two times before I play on it again even if the only court time available is 3am!
In saying that, I also feel confident that I am playing well. I am wroking the ball well and that comes naturally to me. I need to put more pressure on the ball at times and hopefully routines will help. I look forward to some solid preparation before the next events in October, November and the World Open in December.
Now, back to training for four weeks and to get fit!
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